ADEA discrimination specifically refers to discrimination against workers because they are over age 40. ADEA stands for Age Discrimination in Employment Act, a law enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a federal agency that exists to ensure fair employment practices for all workers. In addition, the EEOC enforces five other laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Both of these pieces of legislation also strive to ensure fair employment practices for all, including the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, religion or disability. The EEOC operates with five commissioners, each of whom serve 5 year, rotating terms, and a general counsel, who serves a 4 year term. The positions are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Congress. Each year, the EEOC investigates hundreds of thousands of claims of employee discrimination for age and other reasons.